Prompt:

To start your thinking about the third assignment, this homework assignment asks you to develop a glossary of the lanuguage used at your fieldsite. One way insiders separate themselves from outsiders is through language--whether it's jargon and special words, or familiar words used in unique ways, or even a unique rhythm of speech. As a researcher then, you'll want to work to understand the language used at your fieldsite to give you another angle onto what's important to the insiders at the site. If you're an outside, learning the language will help you step even further inside the group to see from their perspective. If you're an insider, stepping out to "defamiliarize" the language will help you gain even more critical distance on your site.

Action:

Visit your fieldsite and pay close attention to the language used by members of the sub-culture. Listen for unique words, everyday words used in unique ways, etc. Keep a list of these in your fieldnotes and go over them with your informants to make sure you're hearing them right and getting their meanings correct. Also, ask your informants for more words that you may not have picked up on. You'll want to be sure to get permission from the members of the sub-culture before you start taking notes--this will also facilitate the discussion you'll need to have with them.

Compile your glossary by listing the key words in alphabetical order and giving their meanings and context for use (e.g. to joke, to insult, to praise, etc.).

Post your glossary to Blackboard if you have access before class on Tuesday March 9. If you don't have access, bring in a print copy.